Geoff said:
I have been given a computer that has a pirate copy of XP on it. I would
like to purchase the full version.
Is there any way to install the legitimate copy without deleting all my data?
With second-hand computers, especially if acquired from strangers
but perhaps even if acquired from a family member or friend, your wisest
course of action would definitely be to format the hard drives and start
fresh. You don't want to get in trouble because the original owner may
have filled the hard drive with kiddie porn, or have problems because
the original owner downloaded/installed viruses or other malware.
However, to answer your specific question, a repair installation is
required, but should leave your data intact. (Back it up, anyways;
things sometimes go wrong.)
If you are trying to install a WinXP Service Pack and getting the
following:
The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q326904
You need to purchase and a _legitimate_ retail or OEM *full* (not
upgrade) license of WinXP Pro to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place
upgrade) installation, using the new CDs and Product Keys.
How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341
--
Bruce Chambers
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